Sustainability, Management, and Conservation of Built and Archaeological Heritage

A special issue of Heritage (ISSN 2571-9408).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 February 2019) | Viewed by 45372

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Environmental Sciences, Computer Science and Statistics, Università Ca' Foscari, Venezia, Italy
Interests: conservation science; new materials and techniques for CH; design and assessment in CH conservation and management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics (DAIS), Università Ca'Foscari – Venezia, Via Torino 155/b, 30175 Mestre – VE, Italy
Interests: post-antique archaeology; colonial archaeology; gis and landscape; archaeology and heritage

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Co-Guest Editor
Department of Materials Science & Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 9 Iroon Polytechniou Str, 15773 Athens, Greece
Interests: cultural heritage; building materials; nondestructive testing; sustainable development; circular economy; development schemes; environmental management; GIS
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue focuses on issues of sustainability in the conservation and management of the built and archaeological heritage

Acknowledging how difficult it is to achieve economic sustainability in the management and conservation processes of complex multi-material and multiperiodic built heritage or archaeological sites, we invite papers that address the sustainability topic in a challenging way. Sustainability itself can serve as a means of reaching heritage conservation, and, at the same time, heritage protection can help to achieve sustainability at a more global level. Keywords should be durability, adequacy, and accuracy of the proposed perspectives. Approaches should consider the value of the social engagement, as well the educational/orientation goals of both the scientific and Cultural Heritage practitioners communities. Topics of relevance include the impact of climate change on historical buildings and the human ecological dimensions of cultural heritage conservation.

The geographical scope of this Special Issue is global, encompassing urban and rural contexts. We welcome theoretical and methodological approaches, as well as case studies, addressing:

  • Innovative and eco-friendly materials and methods for conservation and protection of buildings and archaeological site;
  • Long-term behavior of conservative solutions, also with case studies;
  • The monitoring of large city/built complexes in a sustainability perspective;
  • Conservation and management policies around the built heritage and society: Contrast, connections, and entanglements.

Dr. Elisabetta Zendri
Dr. Diego Calaon
Prof. Antonia Moropoulou
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Heritage is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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27 pages, 13649 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Fire on Building Materials: The Case-Study of the Varnakova Monastery Cells in Central Greece
by Ekaterini T. Delegou, Maria Apostolopoulou, Ioanna Ntoutsi, Marina Thoma, Vasileios Keramidas, Christos Papatrechas, George Economou and Antonia Moropoulou
Heritage 2019, 2(2), 1233-1259; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage2020080 - 20 Apr 2019
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4920
Abstract
The evaluation of the fire impact on building materials is of great scientific and socio-economic importance since fire can result in materials’ chemical and mechanical alterations, which leads to structural stability problems of historical and/or modern construction. This highly increases the cost of [...] Read more.
The evaluation of the fire impact on building materials is of great scientific and socio-economic importance since fire can result in materials’ chemical and mechanical alterations, which leads to structural stability problems of historical and/or modern construction. This highly increases the cost of rehabilitation interventions. The case study of the Byzantine Monastery of Panagia (Virgin Mary) Varnakova is an example of the fire effect on both historical and newer stone masonries. The Varnakova Monastery is a typical 19th century monastic complex and, during its long history, it has undergone multiple reconstructions after major catastrophic events that have taken place due to its strategic geographical position and its financial and spiritual significance for the region. The last big-scale renovation of the Monastery was conducted between the years 1992 to 2014. However, in January 2017, a devastating fire destroyed the largest part of the monastic cells’ quarter. In this work, a diagnostic study of the different construction phases’ materials comprising the masonries of the monastery cells in their present state is presented. The examination of a series of samples through analytical techniques, such as optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, and total immersion tests, along with the use of non-destructive techniques in situ, such as Infra Red Thermography, Digital Microscopy, and Schmidt Hammer Rebound tests, shed light on the preservation state and on the decay of the diverse building materials. In addition, the impact of the fire on their properties was investigated. The results reveal the diversity of the materials used in the historical masonries throughout the centuries, while the combination of analytical and non-destructive techniques demonstrates the damages induced by the fire. Full article
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22 pages, 11397 KiB  
Article
A Multidisciplinary Approach for Historic Buildings Diagnosis: The Case Study of the Kaisariani Monastery
by Ekaterini T. Delegou, Georgia Mourgi, Elisavet Tsilimantou, Charalabos Ioannidis and Antonia Moropoulou
Heritage 2019, 2(2), 1211-1232; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage2020079 - 20 Apr 2019
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 5533
Abstract
In this work, a multi-disciplinary approach regarding diagnostic study processes is presented, using as an example the Catholicon of Kaisariani Monastery in Attica, Greece. Kaisariani Monastery is considered one of the most important Byzantine architectural complexes in Greece. The Catholicon of Kaisariani Monastery [...] Read more.
In this work, a multi-disciplinary approach regarding diagnostic study processes is presented, using as an example the Catholicon of Kaisariani Monastery in Attica, Greece. Kaisariani Monastery is considered one of the most important Byzantine architectural complexes in Greece. The Catholicon of Kaisariani Monastery was built during the middle Byzantine period, and has undergone many reconstructions during the centuries. It is a semi-complex, four-columned, cross-in-square church, with a cloisonné masonry. The suggested diagnostic processes included the creation of multidisciplinary thematic maps in Computer Aided Design (CAD) environment, which incorporated: (a) data of historical and architectural documentation; (b) data of geometric documentation; and (c) data of building materials characterization and decay diagnosis. The historical and general architectural data were acquired by thorough bibliographical/archival research. Geometric documentation data were acquired by three-dimensional (3D) laser scanner for the creation of the Catholicon section drawings, whereas image based photogrammetric techniques were utilized for the creation of a 3D textured model, from which orthoimages and architectural drawings of the Catholicon façades were developed. In parallel, characterization of building materials and identification of decay patterns took place after the onsite application of the nondestructive techniques of digital microscopy, infrared thermography and ground penetrating radar. These vast array kinds of data were elaborated and integrated into the architectural drawings, developing thematic maps that record and represent the current preservation state of the monument, a concerning major construction phases, the most important conservation intervention projects, building materials and decay. Furthermore, data quantification regarding the extent of building materials and decay at each monument’s façade took place. Therefore, correlation and better understanding of the environmental impact on building materials according to façade orientation and historical data, e.g., construction phases, was accomplished. In conclusion, the presented processes are multidisciplinary tasks that require collaboration among architects, surveyor engineers and materials scientists/engineers. They are also prerequisites for the planning and application of compatible and efficient conservation/restoration interventions, for the ultimate goal of the sustainable protection of a monument. Full article
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15 pages, 5719 KiB  
Article
History of Management and Stratigraphy of Organizing. The Venice Arsenal between Tangible and Intangible Heritage
by Luca Zan
Heritage 2019, 2(2), 1176-1190; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage2020077 - 19 Apr 2019
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 6022
Abstract
The purpose of this contribution is to analyze the role of the Arsenal in the history of management, still underrepresented in international historiography, and link it to the literature on industrial heritage. It is this central role in the history of management that [...] Read more.
The purpose of this contribution is to analyze the role of the Arsenal in the history of management, still underrepresented in international historiography, and link it to the literature on industrial heritage. It is this central role in the history of management that endows the Venice Arsenal with particular significance as intangible heritage. Discussing specific problems related to the research and interpretation of this intangible significance, in a context of stratification of levels of organization over time, this paper considers some implications for restoration of the Arsenal, as well as area to preserve this intangible heritage in terms of research, documentation, and presentation needs. Full article
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24 pages, 3986 KiB  
Article
The Plaka Bridge in Epirus: An Evaluation of New Building Materials for Its Restoration
by Maria Apostolopoulou, Ioannis Nikolaidis, Iakovos Grillakis, Myrto Kalofonou, Vasileios Keramidas, Ekaterini T. Delegou, Maria Karoglou, Asterios Bakolas, Kyriakos C. Lampropoulos, Charalampos Mouzakis and Antonia Moropoulou
Heritage 2019, 2(2), 1136-1159; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage2020074 - 15 Apr 2019
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3157
Abstract
The sustainable preservation of monuments requires the use of performing materials which are at the same time compatible with the monument’s historical building materials to ensure structural integrity, adequate performance of the structure in earthquake stresses, and resilience of both restoration and historical [...] Read more.
The sustainable preservation of monuments requires the use of performing materials which are at the same time compatible with the monument’s historical building materials to ensure structural integrity, adequate performance of the structure in earthquake stresses, and resilience of both restoration and historical materials. This is especially true for cultural heritage assets that have experienced major destruction, demanding extensive reconstruction. The Plaka Bridge in Epirus, Greece, partially collapsed after a heavy rainfall in 2015. It was a supreme example of traditional stone bridge architecture of the region and an important landmark. In the present study, a potential restoration stone from a nearby quarry was examined in terms of compatibility in relation to the dominant historical building stone of the bridge, as well as in terms of mechanical performance, through a variety of in lab techniques. In addition, criteria were set for restoration mortars, taking into account the characteristics of the historical materials, as well as the environment of the bridge. The results of the study regarding the restoration stone and mortars are presented and assessed, in order to select the most appropriate restoration materials for Plaka Bridge in its upcoming restoration, aiming to enhance the overall resilience of the structure. Full article
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10 pages, 237 KiB  
Article
Stakes and Challenges for Underwater Cultural Heritage in the Era of Blue Growth and the Role of Spatial Planning: Implications and Prospects in Greece
by Marilena Papageorgiou
Heritage 2019, 2(2), 1060-1069; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage2020069 - 02 Apr 2019
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2889
Abstract
Underwater cultural heritage (UCH) constitutes an invaluable asset, which is lately being challenged by the blue growth trend that cannot be easily reconciled with the goal of UCH preservation and promotion. Maritime spatial planning (MSP)—under a place-based approach—creates better chances for UCH to [...] Read more.
Underwater cultural heritage (UCH) constitutes an invaluable asset, which is lately being challenged by the blue growth trend that cannot be easily reconciled with the goal of UCH preservation and promotion. Maritime spatial planning (MSP)—under a place-based approach—creates better chances for UCH to receive more attention in the future compared to other resources, since it is considered to be the key procedure for tackling growing competition among sea users (user-user conflicts) and for mitigating the pressure these users put on the marine environment (natural and cultural). In Greece, a country with great insularity, extensive marine space, and a long and glorious past, UCH resources are in abundance. According to the official Ministry of Culture data-base, there are 88 designated UCH sites throughout the national waters, the majority of which are found very close to the shore. They usually concern ancient cities and built monuments that were eventually submerged (due to earthquakes, geological processes, etc.), so they usually have a mixed nature—terrestrial and marine. These sites, however, constitute a very small part of what is actually lying on the Greek seabed. Estimations for the future identify a rise in accidental discoveries of UCH, due to the blue growth trend and an increase in access to and work in the sea. In this event, much controversy is expected, concerning the appropriate type of management for UCH. The role of MSP in this decision-making process will be decisive, being about “when” and “where” human activities take place at sea, to ensure these are as efficient and sustainable as possible. Full article
35 pages, 20181 KiB  
Article
A Study on the Historical Materials of the Apollo Pythios Temple in Rhodes and the Evaluation of Potential Restoration Materials
by Maria Apostolopoulou, Vasileios Keramidas, Niki Galanaki, Myrto Kalofonou, Chariklia Skoula, Maria Karoglou, Ekaterini T. Delegou, Charalampos Mouzakis, Asterios Bakolas, Antonia Moropoulou, Maria Pikoula, Anna Kalagri, Eleni Farmakidou and Maria Michailidou
Heritage 2019, 2(1), 988-1022; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage2010065 - 22 Mar 2019
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3871
Abstract
The Temple of Apollo Pythios, built in the Hellenistic era (3rd–1st century BC), is located in the ancient Acropolis of Rhodes. It was excavated during the Italian occupation and reconstructed by the Italians in the period 1937–8. The method of the “scenographic” restoration [...] Read more.
The Temple of Apollo Pythios, built in the Hellenistic era (3rd–1st century BC), is located in the ancient Acropolis of Rhodes. It was excavated during the Italian occupation and reconstructed by the Italians in the period 1937–8. The method of the “scenographic” restoration was the “mixed structure” technique using a core of reinforced concrete in combination with new biocalcarenite stones and the integration of very few ancient architectural members. Its proximity to the sea and the corresponding salt decay phenomena, aggravated by the erroneous reconstruction methodology and materials, have further deteriorated its state of preservation. Today, the four columns, epistyle and entablature of the Italian interventions demand immediate restoration actions to ensure the monument’s sustainability. This can only be achieved through a combined study of the performance of potential restoration materials and assessment of their compatibility with the historical materials. In the present study, the characteristics of the Temple’s historical porous stones are presented along with the characteristics of five quarry stones, aiming to evaluate which quarry stone is the most appropriate for use in the upcoming restoration. Restoration mortars are designed and evaluated in respect to both the historical materials and the quarry stones, aiming to select the optimum restoration mortar, which can achieve the required level of performance and compatibility and ensure sustainability of the structure as a whole. Full article
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16 pages, 4945 KiB  
Article
Conservation of the Built Heritage: Pilot Site Approach to Design a Sustainable Process
by Davide Gulotta and Lucia Toniolo
Heritage 2019, 2(1), 797-812; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage2010052 - 08 Mar 2019
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 5815
Abstract
The conservation project of built heritage is a complex process, dealing with an extremely heterogeneous range of elements and different substrates with a large variety of conservation conditions. In recent years, its sustainability has become a relevant issue, due to the general limitation [...] Read more.
The conservation project of built heritage is a complex process, dealing with an extremely heterogeneous range of elements and different substrates with a large variety of conservation conditions. In recent years, its sustainability has become a relevant issue, due to the general limitation of resources and unique features of cultural heritage assets. The conservation project, therefore, requires a thorough knowledge of the specific characteristics of the site, a reliable evaluation of the treatment’s efficacy and durability, and efficient control of procedures and timing of the site during the conservation activities. A suitable approach to design the intervention is the implementation of a pilot site for the knowledge of surfaces and structures, and for the testing of different operative procedures. This approach needs the collaborative work of a multidisciplinary team coordinated by the project manager. This paper reports on the design of the conservation project of the Renaissance façade of the Monza cathedral, with the development of a pilot site as a relevant example of a complex surface. The three-phase process—preliminary knowledge, testing and implementation of the treatment methodologies, and scale-up to the general conservation project—is described and discussed with significant reference to real data from the case study. Full article
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10 pages, 960 KiB  
Article
Modern Conservation Principles and Their Application in Mediterranean Historic Centers—The Case of Valletta
by Despina Dimelli
Heritage 2019, 2(1), 787-796; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage2010051 - 28 Feb 2019
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5180
Abstract
Historic urban conservation has, for more than a century, been a major focus of planning, architectural debate and public policy. Today, there is a growing consensus that the historic city should be viewed not only as a unity of architectural monuments and supporting [...] Read more.
Historic urban conservation has, for more than a century, been a major focus of planning, architectural debate and public policy. Today, there is a growing consensus that the historic city should be viewed not only as a unity of architectural monuments and supporting fabric, but also as a complex layering of meanings, connected both to its natural environment and to its geological structure, as well as to its metropolitan hinterland. The current paper will attempt to analyze the principles of modern urban conservation and to evaluate the effectiveness of their application in Mediterranean historic centers. It is structured in two parts. In the first part it examines the changes that diachronically took place in planning for historic urban conservation. It will analyze the principles that were followed until today and the existing strategies, policies and practices of historic urban conservation. The second part will examine the application of these policies in the historic city of Valletta and it will analyze the effectiveness of these principles’ application in the conservation of its historic environment. The evaluation of these policies and practices will be based on basic urban conservation pillars, such as the support of their identity through communication strategies; the promotion of cultural identity and contribution to economic growth; the enhancement of a better quality of life for residents through the strengthening of the use of the dwelling; the increase of the attractiveness of tourists; and the application of regeneration strategies and environmental planning. It is essential to address the issue of urban conservation in ways that reflect the great diversity of cultural traditions, to support new practices, and to define management systems aimed at preserving values within sustainable processes. Full article
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16 pages, 245 KiB  
Article
Heritage for Sale! The Role of Museums in Promoting Metal Detecting and Looting in Romania
by Iulian Ganciu
Heritage 2018, 1(2), 437-452; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage1020029 - 06 Dec 2018
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2886
Abstract
The phenomenon of metal detecting in Romania is growing rapidly, with more and more cases being registered every year. In a context where there is less money for archaeological research, museums are relying more and more on discoveries made by metal detectorists in [...] Read more.
The phenomenon of metal detecting in Romania is growing rapidly, with more and more cases being registered every year. In a context where there is less money for archaeological research, museums are relying more and more on discoveries made by metal detectorists in order to enrich their collections. This situation encourages the practice, and in time could have damaging effects on the archaeological heritage of Romania. Metal detecting represents an activity that has raised lots of debate, but the authorities have not yet taken action. Thus, this study is necessary: in order to find a middle ground between metal detectorists, archaeology, and the institutions responsible for the protection of heritage. Such a middle ground could be a bridge that leads to the better preservation of archaeological heritage in Romania. This study focuses on creating a policy to protect the archaeological sites of Romania, creating awareness among local communities as well as a policy that could be applicable elsewhere in other places that are also involved in this sort of activity. Full article

Review

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17 pages, 9102 KiB  
Review
Protection of Cultural Heritage in Thessaloniki: A Review of Designation Actions
by Maria Margarita Vyzantiadou and Melissa Selevista
Heritage 2019, 2(1), 717-731; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage2010046 - 19 Feb 2019
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4057
Abstract
This paper presents a part of the work of the Department of Traditional Settlements and Listed Buildings (Department of T. S. & L. B.) of the Ministry of Interior (sector of Macedonia and Thrace) which concerns to the specialized legislative policy for the [...] Read more.
This paper presents a part of the work of the Department of Traditional Settlements and Listed Buildings (Department of T. S. & L. B.) of the Ministry of Interior (sector of Macedonia and Thrace) which concerns to the specialized legislative policy for the protection and designation of architectural culture, giving a brief reference on major designation processes of properties from the region of Macedonia and Thrace. The Department of T. S. & L. B. is responsible, since 1986, for identifying and protecting the architectural heritage of Northern Greece, by preserving buildings and areas or settlements from inappropriate changes or destruction, thus recognizing them as listed buildings or traditional settlements according to specific administrative procedure. Formal designation helps to protect traditional properties as listed buildings from inappropriate changes or destruction; meanwhile, the establishment of specific protection terms and restrictions of construction, the approval of architectural plans for restorations, interventions, uses or additions contribute that all listed buildings survive and prosper as “live shells”, along with other monuments. Additionally, in cases of traditional areas and settlements, other actions, e.g., modification of city plans, establishment of building rules, etc. have created a holistic protection framework preserving the architectural, urban and aesthetic character of significant historical areas of the city. Full article
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